description Forrest Mars Overview
Forrest Mars was an American businessman involved in the development and expansion of the Mars confectionery business. He co-created M&M’s in 1941 with Bruce Murrie, using a sugar-coated chocolate format that helped prevent the chocolate from melting as easily in the hand. The product was influenced by chocolate candies observed among soldiers during the Spanish Civil War.
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How did Forrest Mars get the idea for M&M's?
According to the historical account, Forrest Mars saw soldiers eating small chocolates covered in a hard sugar shell during the Spanish Civil War. The coating kept the chocolate from melting as easily, which inspired the M&M's concept.
Who was the second M in M&M's?
The second M refers to Bruce Murrie, whose father William Murrie was president of Hershey. Forrest Mars and Bruce Murrie formed the partnership behind the original M&M's company.
What happened to M&M's in 1941?
The M&M's design was patented in 1941 and production began in Newark, New Jersey. During World War II, the candies were sold exclusively to the U.S. military before later becoming available to the general public.
Why was a hard candy shell important to Forrest Mars's invention?
The hard shell protected the chocolate from heat and made the candy easier to carry than an uncoated chocolate piece. That practical feature was especially useful for soldiers' rations and became central to the M&M's product.
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